Your rights under the Renters’ Rights Act

The biggest change to private renting in England in decades. Here’s what it means for tenants, in plain English. These rules apply in England only.

What changed on 1 May 2026

No more “no-fault” evictions. Landlords can no longer end a tenancy with a section 21 notice. They need a legal reason, such as selling the home, moving in themselves or rent arrears, usually with 4 months’ notice, and must follow the proper process.
Rolling tenancies. Most tenancies are now “assured periodic tenancies”: they run month to month, with no end date. Existing tenancies changed automatically.
You can leave with 2 months’ notice, in writing. You and your landlord can agree a shorter notice in writing.
Rent rises at most once a year, and not in the first 12 months of a new tenancy. Your landlord must use the official form (Form 4A) and give at least 2 months’ notice. If you think a rise is above the market rent, you can challenge it at a tribunal.
No bidding wars. Adverts must show a rent, and landlords and agents can’t ask for, encourage or accept offers above it.
Limits on rent in advance. Landlords can’t take rent before you sign the agreement, and after that can ask for at most 1 month’s rent in advance.
Pets. You can ask to keep a pet. Your landlord must consider your request and give a reason if they refuse.
No discrimination. Landlords can’t refuse you because you receive benefits or have children.
An information sheet. The government’s Renters’ Rights Act Information Sheet (which replaced the “How to Rent” guide) explains the changes. Landlords had to give it to existing tenants by 31 May 2026, and you can read it on GOV.UK.

A landlord database, rolled out area by area from late 2026, so landlords have to register.
A Private Rented Sector Ombudsman: a free way to resolve complaints about a landlord without going to court.
Better housing standards: a Decent Homes Standard for private rented homes by 2035, and plans to extend “Awaab’s Law” (deadlines for fixing damp, mould and other hazards) to private renting.

Be wary of anyone who asks you to offer more than the advertised rent, or to pay months of rent upfront. Both are now against the rules.
Your tenancy won’t lock you in for a year, but read the agreement carefully anyway.
With no-fault evictions gone, you’re likely to stay longer, so choosing the right home and landlord matters more. That’s what reviews are for.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Last checked: 28 October 2026.